Citrus Heights theater planning to finally reopen after pandemic closure

By Mike Hazlip—
The stage is set for the only community theater in Citrus Heights to return to live performances this summer.

Theatre in the Heights earlier this month announced plans to reopen after being shuttered more than a year, following COVID-19 shutdown orders. Theater vice president Vanessa Voetch told The Sentinel Thursday of plans to continue the run of Neil Simon’s “The Dinner Party.”

Voetsch said she hopes to have the first live performance June 25, and plans to add three weeks to the performance to run through July 18. No performances will be held July 2, 3, and 4 in observance of the Independence Day holiday, Voetsch said.

Gov. Gavin Newsom is widely expected in June to loosen restrictions that have been in place since last year. Voetch said plans are still tentative pending a final decision by state authorities.

“We’re still kind of waiting to see what’s going to be allowed, and what date,” Voetch said. “But so far it’s looking good that we can at least open up at 75% capacity by June 15. We’re not going to be quite ready by then, but I think that’s a good thing because we don’t want to rush it.”

The theater has been running on donations from its loyal fans over the past year, with supporters being thanked on the theater’s social media page for helping the theater stay alive. Donations were also encouraged during the Big Day of Giving earlier this month.

A typical production costs the organization between $3,000 and $5,000 for royalties, set design, props, and costumes, according to theater president Blake Flores.  Organizers have set up a donation page for anyone who wants to support the theater.

“We’ve been very blessed with our patrons donations and they’ve been helping a lot,” said Voetsch, who also said she was grateful the theater’s rent was cut in half during the pandemic.

Theatre in the Heights is located at 8215 Auburn Blvd., in Citrus Heights. Showtimes and more information is available at www.theatreintheheights.com.